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Microsoft notes that after Windows 10 version 1709, FODs can no longer be delivered via WSUS. Group Policy provides the alternative method for network-based deployment.

This method installs FODs on a running Windows system:

Once you have downloaded the 21H2 FoD ISO, you must present it to the operating system or deployment image as an active installation source.

Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object $_.Name -like " RSAT "

Tells the tool to apply the feature to the currently running operating system.

Optional content (FODs and language packs) is not included by default in the main Windows image file available on VLSC — instead, it's released as an additional ISO file. This separate distribution helps reduce the size of the main Windows media while keeping optional content accessible to those who need it.

. Organizations with enterprise configurations rely on these offline packages to deploy essential tools like RSAT, .NET Framework 3.5, and language packs across closed or restricted networks without hitting Windows Update.

When Windows needs a new capability—whether for language support, administrative tools, or development frameworks—it can request the feature package from Windows Update automatically. However, in offline environments or when you need to provision features during image deployment, the FOD ISO becomes invaluable.

To maintain operating system integrity and prevent malware infection, you should avoid third-party file-sharing sites and unverified repositories. Use these authorized Microsoft pipelines instead:

Understanding the support lifecycle is crucial before deploying any Windows version. Windows 10 21H2 followed Microsoft's modern lifecycle policy:

Features on Demand are optional Windows components not installed by default. Examples include: